Maddy summaryHB 1232 requires South Dakota state agencies to document how they consider five specific principles when creating or changing policies or rules that directly affect tribal nations. These principles include committing to cooperation with tribes, respecting tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relationships, communicating early with tribal officials, being accountable for tribal concerns, and preserving tribal-state partnerships. The law applies to any agency policy or rule with direct tribal impacts, mandating written records of this consideration. It does not change existing tribal rights but sets a procedural standard for state agency engagement. This bill aims to improve transparency and collaboration between state agencies and tribal governments.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryHB 1175 revises South Dakota law to clarify that the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe (and other Indian tribes) can request background checks through the Division of Criminal Investigation for specific tribal positions. It directly affects tribal members seeking roles as tribal council members, judges, conservation officers, educators, child protection workers, and others listed in the bill. The key mechanism requires tribes to submit applicants' fingerprints to the state division, which then forwards them to the FBI for a national check if no state-level disqualifications exist, with tribes or applicants covering processing fees.
Maddy summarySB 88 clarifies the process for entities seeking to examine private property for public projects (like utility lines) without the owner's permission. It requires such entities to provide 30 days' written notice detailing the property area, timing, and purpose, and pay for any damage caused - $500 upfront for common carrier projects. Property owners can challenge the examination in court within 30 days of receiving notice. The bill applies only to projects needing a siting permit (e.g., utilities), not state entities, and defines "examination" as a minimally invasive inspection causing minor soil disturbance.
Maddy summaryHB 1164 makes it a Class 5 felony for licensed healthcare providers to use reproductive material (like sperm or eggs) without a patient’s written consent during assisted reproduction procedures (e.g., IVF). It directly affects healthcare providers, patients, donors, and children born from such procedures. The bill establishes civil liability, allowing patients, spouses, intended parents, children, or donors to sue for $10,000 in liquidated damages plus other costs and attorney fees. Lawsuits must be filed within five years of the child’s 18th birthday or when evidence (like DNA results) is discovered.
Maddy summaryHB 1176 clarifies that South Dakota courts may require defendants to participate in a 24/7 sobriety program as a condition of bond or pre-trial release. It prevents defendants from being jailed or having their release revoked solely due to inability to pay program costs, unless a court finds they could pay but willfully avoided doing so. Defendants must prove they didn’t willfully skip payments or made a genuine effort to pay. Unpaid program costs may later be added to a defendant’s sentence if the court determines they have the ability to pay. The bill directly affects individuals in criminal cases offered this program.
Maddy summaryHB 1007 amends South Dakota's legal definition of "law enforcement officer" to explicitly include tribal law enforcement officers. This change directly affects tribal law enforcement personnel by ensuring they are recognized under the same legal definitions as state and local officers. The bill modifies Section 22-1-2 of state law to add tribal officers to the definition, aligning their status with other law enforcement roles. This is a technical definitional update with no new requirements or funding impacts.
Maddy summaryThis bill introduces a legislative commemoration honoring Barbara Dull Knife, a Lakota elder and community leader who served as a child welfare advocate and founded an emergency safe house for children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The resolution formally recognizes her seventeen years of service with the United States Attorney's Office, her tribal council leadership, and her work preserving Lakota cultural traditions and teachings. By adopting this commemoration, the South Dakota Legislature acknowledges her contributions to child welfare, cultural preservation, and community service without altering any existing laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that formally recognizes the nonprofit organization Oaye Luta Okolakiciye, known as "Moving Forward in a Sacred Way." The resolution acknowledges the organization's work in providing trauma-informed care to Lakota communities in South Dakota by integrating Lakota spirituality, language, and kinship systems into behavioral health services. It highlights the group's volunteer-driven approach to supporting families and promoting cultural continuity on reservations and in surrounding areas. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves to honor the organization's contributions to Lakota wellness and community stability.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes Marvin Richard III, a high school athlete from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, for his outstanding athletic achievements. It highlights his accomplishments in multiple sports, including football and basketball, where he earned state honors, set a single-game scoring record, and was nominated for the McDonald's All-American Game. The resolution formally acknowledges his contributions to Pine Ridge High School and the broader community of Native American athletes in South Dakota. This type of bill serves as an official record of recognition rather than creating new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a legislative commemoration that recognizes the historical significance of the buffalo to Native American tribes in South Dakota and celebrates their return to tribal lands. It acknowledges the near extinction of buffalo in the 19th century and highlights the current efforts by tribal nations, conservation groups, and community partners to restore the species. The resolution emphasizes the cultural, spiritual, and ecological importance of buffalo restoration for future generations. This type of bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves to formally acknowledge and honor a significant cultural and environmental milestone.